Finding a good roofing company in Chicago can be tricky. There are many options to choose from, and it’s hard to know which one will do the best job. You want a roofer who will fix your roof right the first time and not overcharge you.

Picking the right roofing contractor can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. This article will give you 10 helpful tips to find a trustworthy roofing company in Chicago. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and choose a roofer who will do quality work on your home.

1) Check Local Reviews

Finding a good Chicago roofing company can take time and research. There are many options to choose from, and it’s hard to know which one will do the best job. You want a roofer who will fix your roof right the first time and not overcharge you.

Picking the right roofing contractor can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. This article will give you 10 helpful tips to find a trustworthy roofing service in Chicago. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and choose a roofer who will do quality work on your home.

Looking at local reviews is a smart way to find a good roofing company in Chicago. You can start by checking online review sites for ratings and feedback from past customers.

Pay attention to both positive and negative comments. Look for patterns in what people say about a company’s work quality, customer service, and pricing.

The Better Business Bureau is another good source for customer reviews and ratings of Chicago roofing contractors. They provide information on accredited businesses and any complaints filed against them.

Don’t forget to ask your neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations. Personal experiences can give you valuable insights into a roofing company’s reliability and workmanship.

2) Verify Licensing

Before hiring a roofing company in Chicago, it’s crucial to check their licensing status. The City of Chicago requires all roofing contractors to have a valid license.

You can verify a contractor’s license online through the City of Chicago’s website. This tool lets you search for licensed trade contractors in the area.

If you can’t find the company on the city’s website, try the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. They maintain a database of licensed roofing contractors across the state.

Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing company for their license number. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide this information. Working with a licensed roofer ensures they meet the city’s standards for quality and safety.

You may want to try to find roofing companies that are registered with the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. 

3) Ask for Insurance Proof

When looking for a roofing company in Chicago, it’s crucial to ask for proof of insurance. This protects you from liability if accidents happen during the job.

Request to see their general liability insurance certificate. This covers property damage or injuries that might occur while they work on your roof.

Also, ask for their workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if a worker gets hurt on your property.

Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see current, valid certificates. Reputable roofing companies in Chicago will gladly provide this information.

Make sure the insurance covers the full scope of your project. If a company hesitates to show proof, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.

Remember, proper insurance is a sign of a professional, responsible roofing contractor. It gives you peace of mind and protects your interests.

4) Look for Manufacturer Certifications

When searching for a top Chicago roofing company, check if they have manufacturer certifications. These show that roofers have special training to install certain brands.

Certified contractors often offer better warranties. They know the right ways to put on roofs made by specific companies.

You can ask roofers about their certifications. Good ones will be happy to show you proof. Look for names like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed.

Companies with these certifications usually do higher quality work. They follow strict rules set by the manufacturers.

Choosing a certified roofer can give you peace of mind. You’ll know they have the skills to install your roof correctly.

5) Request Written Estimates

When looking for a roofing company in Chicago, always ask for written estimates. This step is crucial in your search for the best roofer.

Ask at least three roofing contractors in Chicago to provide detailed written estimates. These should include the cost of materials, labor, and any additional fees.

Make sure each estimate covers the same scope of work. This will help you compare offers fairly. Look for specifics about the materials they plan to use and the timeline for completion.

Don’t rush this process. Take time to review each estimate carefully. If something is unclear, ask the contractor to explain. A good roofer will be happy to answer your questions.

Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best choice. Consider the quality of materials and the contractor’s reputation too.

6) Ask About Roofing Warranties

When looking for a Chicago roofing company, it’s important to ask about warranties. A good warranty can protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Most reputable roofing companies offer warranties on their work. These usually cover labor and materials for a set period of time.

You should ask about both manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties. Manufacturer warranties cover the roofing materials, while workmanship warranties cover the installation.

Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranty. Ask how long the warranty lasts and if there are any conditions that could void it.

A strong warranty can be a sign of a quality roofing company. It shows they stand behind their work and are confident in their skills.

7) Evaluate Their Communication Skills

Good communication is key when working with a roofing company. Pay attention to how they respond to your inquiries. Are they prompt and clear in their replies?

Notice if they explain things in a way you can understand. A good roofer will break down complex terms and processes for you.

Take note of their listening skills. Do they pay attention to your concerns and address them properly? This shows they value your input.

Look for a company that keeps you updated throughout the project. They should inform you about progress, delays, or any issues that arise.

Check if they provide written estimates and contracts. Clear documentation helps avoid misunderstandings later on.

You can also ask for feedback from past clients about the company’s communication. This gives you insight into their long-term communication habits.

8) Review Past Work Portfolios

When searching for a top Chicago roofing company, you should ask to see their past work portfolios. These showcase the contractor’s skills and experience.

A good portfolio will have photos of completed roofing projects. Look for variety in the types of roofs and materials used. This shows the company can handle different jobs.

Pay attention to the quality of work shown in the images. Check for neat, even shingles and clean edges. A well-done roof will look uniform and professional.

Ask about specific projects in the portfolio. A reputable company can give you details about the challenges they faced and how they solved them. This gives you insight into their problem-solving skills.

Remember, a solid portfolio of past work is a key sign of a good roofing contractor. It helps you see what kind of results you can expect for your own roof.

9) Seek Multiple Bids

Getting several bids is key when looking for a Chicago roofing company. Ask at least three different roofers to give you quotes.

This helps you compare prices and services. You’ll get a better idea of what’s fair for your project.

Compare multiple roofing quotes to find the best deal. Look at the materials, labor costs, and warranties offered.

Don’t just pick the cheapest option. A very low price might mean low-quality work. Instead, look for a balance of good value and quality.

Ask each roofer to explain their bid. This can help you spot any missing items or extra charges. It also shows which company communicates well.

Remember, getting multiple quotes helps you make a smart choice. It gives you more options and information to work with.

10) Consider Experience with Roofing Type

When looking for a Chicago roofing company, think about the type of roof you have. Different roofs need different skills.

Flat roofs are common in Chicago. If you have one, find a roofer who knows how to work with them. Huuso Exteriors might be a good choice.

For sloped roofs, look for roofers with experience in shingles or tiles. Some companies specialize in certain materials.

Ask potential roofers about their experience with your roof type. A good company will be happy to share examples of similar jobs they’ve done.

Remember, the right experience can mean better quality work and fewer problems later on.

Understanding Roofing Materials

Roofing materials play a key role in protecting your home and affecting its energy efficiency. Different options have unique pros and cons to consider when choosing the best material for your Chicago roof.

Pros and Cons of Popular Roofing Materials

Asphalt shingles are a common choice in Chicago, costing $2.20 to $6.50 per square foot. They’re affordable and easy to install, but may not last as long as other materials.

Metal roofs offer durability and fire resistance. They can withstand Chicago’s harsh winters but may be noisy during rain or hail.

Clay tiles give a unique look and great longevity. They’re heavy and need strong support, which can increase costs.

Slate provides a high-end appearance and exceptional lifespan. It’s very expensive and requires specialized installation.

Wood shakes offer natural beauty but need more maintenance. They may not be suitable in areas with strict fire codes.

Energy-Efficient Roofing Options

Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofs. This can lower your cooling costs in summer.

Green roofs covered with plants provide excellent insulation. They reduce energy use and manage stormwater, but require more maintenance.

Solar tiles generate electricity while protecting your home. They’re expensive upfront but can lead to long-term energy savings.

Lighter-colored roofing materials reflect more sunlight, keeping your home cooler. This can be a simple way to boost energy efficiency.

Evaluating Roofing Company Credentials

Checking a roofing company’s credentials is key to finding a trustworthy contractor. You’ll want to look at their licenses, insurance, and warranty offerings.

Importance of Licensing and Insurance

A reputable roofing contractor must have proper licensing and insurance. Ask to see their license and verify it with Chicago’s licensing board. This shows they meet local standards.

Make sure the company has liability insurance and workers’ compensation. These protect you if accidents happen on your property. Don’t be shy about asking for proof of coverage.

Check if the roofer belongs to industry groups. Membership often means they follow strict quality guidelines. It can be a sign of their commitment to good work.

Understanding Warranties and Guarantees

Roofing warranties can be complex. A good contractor will explain them clearly. Usually, there are two types: manufacturer warranties for materials and workmanship warranties from the roofer.

Ask about the length and terms of both warranties. Find out what’s covered and what’s not. Some warranties may become void if you don’t do regular maintenance.

Get all warranty info in writing before work starts. This protects you if problems come up later. A strong warranty can save you money on future repairs.

Be wary of lifetime guarantees that sound too good to be true. Read the fine print to understand the real coverage.

Seth Erhart